Obituary of Jose Ramon Galindez

Jose Ramon Galindez, 71 of Richland County, beloved husband, father, grandfather, step-father, brother, uncle, and loyal friend stepped into eternity, Saturday, late afternoon, June 10, 2017. He was born March 8th, 1946 in Santurce, PR to Rafael Galindez and Leonor Villaran. Jose and his beloved, Brenda Galindez had two Children together, Connie Galindez and Soulindia Galindez. Jose also raised his stepson, Nicol Sowell who he loved deeply and considered his own flesh and blood. Malik Williams and Nichell Robinson also considered stepchildren who he loved and cared for, too. Both he and his wife relocated from NYC in 2007 to Columbia, SC to enjoy his 2nd retirement with New York City Housing Authority. Jose's 1st. retirement was from corporate America in the 80's and 90's, but he soon re-entered the work place to start a new career to support his now growing family. He and his wife began caring for their grandchildren, Jace Wyatt Galindez, Melina Galindez, Shireen Green, and Aviana Galindez, the infant he personally traveled hours to a Brooklyn Hospital the day she was born to avoid her going into the Child Welfare System. "That's my grandbaby and she's coming with me!" Anyone who knew him knew he was a protector and caretaker of his family. He was a kind, and proud Puerto Rican man. There was not a day that went by that he didn't have the Puerto Rican Flag displayed on an article of clothing, or wore the colors. He was an artist and loved to draw and paint. He also was a part-time DJ in the 80's and 90's. Jose would bring his equipment to Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, NY almost every weekend entertaining the park goers to oldies but goodies. Barry White was his favorite artist and played in his home until his last days. All who knew him have memories and stories to be cherished. They also knew that his wife, Brenda Galindez of 47 years was his Everything! Thanks to Betty Williams for introducing them and to the whole Williams Family. In addition to his wife, Jose is survived by his daughter; and his step children, Donnie Sowell, Myra Sowell, and Byron Sowell; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Drasiyah Green, Harmony-Soul Galindez, and Princess-Alizee Espy and one on the way; his nieces and nephews and many brothers and sisters, especially Maria Serate, his loving and loyal sister who was joined at the hip from time of their birth to the last days of his life. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at Woodridge Funeral Home of Lexington. A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2017 in the mausoleum chapel at Woodridge Memorial Park and Funeral Home. The Galindez family is in the care of Woodridge Funeral Home of Lexington.